My Fiance's Gone, His Brother Stayed

I'm the so-called 'Lady of Glory'—yeah, that girl from the Archbishop's prophecy.

They said I'd bring endless glory to whatever Family I married into.

But at our engagement party, my fiancé—Marco Falcone—swaggered onstage holding hands with his pregnant stripper girlfriend.

Then he grabbed my wrist, dragged me forward, and made me kiss her hand.

"Lola's the only woman I'll ever call my wife," he said with a smug little grin. "If you still want this marriage, your De Luca money better support her and the baby."

I slapped him. Ripped the contract in half. Let it snow confetti.

"Please. I can marry someone a hundred times better."

Right when I was about to torch the entire Falcone Family, someone stepped out of the shadows.

Marco's older brother, Dante Falcone. The one who'd been injured, underestimated, and pushed aside.

He locked eyes with me, totally unfazed.

"Signorina De Luca, do your words still stand?"

"You look gorgeous, Signorina."

I stared at my reflection. That black silk gown clung to me like a secret, and the diamond necklace? Blinding.

This wasn't just any dress—it was a custom piece, six figures, made for one reason only: tonight's engagement party with Marco Falcone.

"Thanks, Maria." I fixed my earring. "Is the car out front?"

"It is. Your father said tonight marks a new era—De Luca and Falcone, stronger than ever."

I nodded.

Dad wasn't wrong—this alliance would fuse our shipping empire with the Falcone mafia's grip on the streets.

But more than business, there was that old prophecy from the archbishop: "The Lady of Glory shall bring divine protection and endless prosperity to the Family she joins."

People believed it was me.

That's why the Falcones locked in my engagement to their second son, Marco, back when I was still playing with dolls.

***

Thirty minutes later, I stepped into the top-floor ballroom of a luxury hotel.

Under the giant crystal chandelier, every major mafia family was packed in.

I scanned the room, searching for Marco.

"Giulia!" His voice cut through the noise. He strolled up in a sharp suit, flashing that too-perfect smile. "You made it."

"Obviously." I offered my hand. "It's our big night."

"Yeah." He kissed it, eyes darting for just a second. "Come on. Everyone's waiting."

Something felt off. I didn't press it.

Guys like Marco? Marriage was never about love. It was all about the power play.

The ceremony kicked off.

Alessandro Falcone, the Don himself, stood on stage and boomed about the epic alliance between our families.

Marco and I stood shoulder to shoulder, soaking in the smiles and blessings.

Just as the priest reached for the rings, Marco dropped my hand.

"Wait." His voice echoed through the mic. The whole place froze.

I turned to him, heart dropping fast.

"Before we do this, there's someone I need you all to meet." He nodded toward the doors. "Lola, come in."

The doors swung open. A blonde in a tight red dress walked in, heels clicking like gunshots. Her